Extending the Mission: NATO AEW Beyond Line-of-Sight Airborne IP-Communications Military Communications & Networks IST Panel Symposium (IST-092/RSY-022) Good Afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Colleagues, I am Richard Bird and I come from the NC3A where I provide Scientific and Technical Support as the Future Capabilities Study Lead for the NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Force. What I am about to present to you are the results of exciting work conducted since 2008 by a cast of gifted individuals whom I regret are not with me today. They are led by Matt Roper, the Program Manager, John Mahaffey, his Deputy, and by my Co-Author, the Technical Lead, Donald Kallgren, with whom some of you may be familiar. As the title states, I will discuss how we have been able to install IP-based connectivity between the NATO AWACS and terrestrial networks, thereby “Extending” the technical capabilities of the aircraft to potentially perform additional “Missions” on behalf of NATO. Richard F. Bird NAEW&C Future Capabilities Study Lead Capability Area Team - 5 Joint Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance E-mail: richard.bird@nc3a.nato.int Phone: + 31-70-374-3656 NATO UNCLASSIFIED NATO UNCLASSIFIED

Disclaimer Although NC3A collaborates with national governments and industries in the performance of its activities, any reference to national and/or corporate capabilities, systems, products or images in this presentation does not imply any official or formal NC3A endorsement. NATO UNCLASSIFIED

Agenda Background NAEW&C FC IP-Communications Capability Evolution Emerging Missions, Operational Requirements, Technology NAEW&C IP-Communications & Network Architectures Deployable Ground Entry Point Stage I & II IP-Communications Racks Concept Development & Experimentation Summary NATO UNCLASSIFIED 3

Background NATO’s Operational & Technical Environment Changing Emerging Missions Involve: Information Intensive Defensive & Expeditionary Operations Expanded Commander’s Reach Constrained Timelines NAEW&C offers Opportunities to “Extend the Mission” Capability Integration Leverages Current & Emerging Technologies Innovative Capabilities’ Exploitation Blends C2 & Joint ISR Permits NAEW&C to evolve into a Joint C2ISR Platform & integrate into the wider Joint C2ISR system Emerging Operational Requirements: The NATO Alliance has moved from a defensive force to an expeditionary force supporting the full range or operations from combat to disaster relief from defense against terrorism to force protection (ISAF, NRF, HVE). Execution of these operations, in out of area locations requires increased capabilities for collaboration, coordination and command and control. These capabilities, designed to share information as well as direction and guidance require reliable access to large volumes of C2 and ISR data and information. Currently, those products lie within the network enabled environment. Emerging Network Enabled Capability: NAEW&C Development of onboard chat/IP capabilities using low bandwidth carriers provides options for network enabled collaboration and access to Joint ISR products via the MAJIIC network and the coalition shared data server (CSD) Supporting the full range of Commanders, Operational to Tactical - Cross Component Information Intensive Operations: Time Sensitive Targeting (TST) Troops in Contact (TIC) Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) Cross Component – Cross Coalition: Reach back – Reach Forward C2 Extension for the Battlespace Leveraging other component systems ISR (Tactical UAV/SIGINT) Offensive (artillery, rockets, forces) C2 and ISR – ‘Blurring the Lines’: Non Traditional ISR (NTISR) E-3 sensor products E-3 relay of other sensor products JISR Coordinator Relay of ad-hoc tasking Support to operations Force protection NATO UNCLASSIFIED

NAEW IP-Communications Capability Evolution 2008: NAEW&C FC tasks NC3A to develop operationally viable “chat” capability for ISAF Three criteria: Operationally Fit for Purpose, No NMT system integration, No E-3 modification 2008/2009: NC3A develops, tests Prototype Stage I IP/Chat Rack & Ground Entry Point (GEP) HF, UHF, & Iridium Low-bandwidth Carriers IP/Chat Connectivity using mIRC -> XMPP Initial IP-Based C2ISR Applications - MAJIIC 2009/10: NC3A expands IP-Communications capability Deployable Ground Entry Point (DGEP) Stage II IP-Comms Rack (2G Rack) Enhanced IP-Based C2ISR Applications NAEW Test Reference Facility (NTRF) NAEW&C IP/CHAT Originally designed to meet the requirements of a 2008 NAEW Force tasking to develop an operationally viable ‘chat’ capability to be used to support ISAF. using HF, UHF & Iridium Development of to support of NAEW Force tasking ISAF Counter-piracy NRF Chat/IP Concept Temporary System Use Onboard Communications Antennas Within power, weight and cooling Low Bandwidth carriers Iridium HF UHF Access to Secure WAN/LAN Chat – mIRC/XMPP AIS Other C2ISR Related Capabilities C2IS – ICC Joint ISR - MAJIIC HF UHF Iridium ACC- CAOC CJTF HQ MCC LCC Secure WAN/LAN GEP Chat/IP data NATO UNCLASSIFIED 5

NAEW IP-Communications: Deployable Ground Entry Point (1) Red-Rack-CIS Secure-LAN/WAN access Local servers (Chat / AIS / CSD) Multi-media wireless IP comms: Dual-channel Iridium SATCOM HF / UHF radio Red-Rack-Crypto Quad-channel Sectera/Line-crypto Secure fibre-optic media to outdoor / radio-room systems NATO UNCLASSIFIED

NAEW IP-Communications: Deployable Ground Entry Point (2) Outdoor / Radio-Room Kit NATO UNCLASSIFIED

Empire Challenge 2010 (EC10) NATO System View - DGEP

NAEW IP-Communications: 2G Rack Multiple laptop/SDC Interfaces On-board IP-routing / servers Secure multi-bearer IP comms dual-channel Iridium (w/ current or new antenna) dual HF / UHF radio growth for new bearers (e.g., UHF-SATCOM): 2 available interfaces Info-assurance features data-diode for real-time secure AIS feed Modular-component install over-wing install location dual-channel Iridium SATCOM, wall-mount at sextant-port location

EC10: NATO System View – E3A Systems

EC10: Summary Outcome (1) - XMPP Chat-directed ISR Management Secure XMPP Chat Demo Successful EC10 Trial collaboration Secure XMPP chat Scan-Eagle FMV L-band SE FMV Demo SE Full Motion Video + PPLI + UAV commands + mIRC TTNT HF / UHF ScanEagle FMV Mobile Comm Vehicle (MCV) XMPP Chat T1 Line UAV commands + PPLI + SE Full Motion Video L-band HQ – JISR MGR ScanEagle GCS SE Full Motion Video + PPLI + UAV commands + mIRC

EC10: Summary Outcome (2) – Real-Time Maritime AIS Track Reporting AIS tracks reported in real-time routinely (EC10-provided and volunteers) track-forwarding: NIRIS track-display: ICC, TV32, or NAMESIS architecture views AIS-track-report capability operated concurrent with XMPP chat; XMPP chat used for SE tasking to investigate the track source

EC10: Summary Outcome (3) – Operational Utility Low-bandwidth IP- comms support to concurrent Real-time AIS track-reporting, Still-Imagery Download, Chat-directed C2ISR-Management

Potential Future NE3A Enhancements Radar Picket Multi-Mission Aircraft Operational Support Operational Participation SATCOM IP High Bandwidth COTS IP onboard Capabilities Export Database Link 16 Chat SATCOM IP Low Bandwidth Capability Update/Manage Database Access Database UHF IP 5066 File Transfer 1. The graph above shows the capability required to move from a tactical air/surface surveillance and battle management platform to full participation as an extension of the operational level C2 capability. Note that using low bandwidth capabilities, the E-3A has already provided a low level of connectivity for collaboration tools. Limited capability to connect to databases is possible and could provide limited utility to JFC/CJTF commanders and staffs using low bandwidth carriers as long as products are kept small (<50 kb)Future enhancements to the system cover a wide range. Figure 11 below depicts a potential path for future enhancements. In keeping with its initial guidelines for rapid prototyping, the current system is standalone, with its own end-systems to host IP-chat and C2ISR processes. Migration of these processes to the NE3A mission system will require its accreditation to connect to ground-based networks through the DGEP. As an intermediate step, the IP chat capability will be integrated with one or more standalone NE3A situation display consoles (SDC). With new on-orbit capabilities, INMARSAT capability may be added to the NE3A using sextant antennas. Use of bonded IRIDIUM antennae and channels to increase redundancy and bandwidth has been demonstrated in ground tests with the current kit, and awaits installation on the NE3A and flight evaluation. As noted earlier, NAEW&C FC will explore revamping the on board UHF SATCOM system and adding it as a bearer. Advanced IP routing and quality-of-service management regimes for multi-bearer operation are currently being evaluated and will be included in later versions of the prototype. Figure 11: Depiction of Future Enhancements to NE3A (NC3A) Ultimately, installation of stable high-speed air-to-ground communications system at Ku-band (e.g., TCDL or Ku-Band SATCOM) would provide ample bandwidth (> 10 Mbps) to meet new mission requirements; but these will require extensive analysis, airframe rework, and airworthiness recertification before they could bear fruit. Pending such development, the multi-bearer approach explored and described herein will be capable of meeting the initial goals for new C2ISR missions. The most significant future enhancements must also focus on training, logistics, and system management for improved operational performance. HF IP 5066 XMPP chat IRC chat Communications C2IS – Intelligence Applications Jan 08 – May 10 Time NATO UNCLASSIFIED NATO UNCLASSIFIED

Summary NATO’s Operational & Technical Environment Changing Emerging Missions Involve: Information Intensive Defensive & Expeditionary Operations Expanded Commander’s Reach Constrained Timelines NAEW&C offers Opportunities to “Extend the Mission” Capability Integration Leverages Current & Emerging Technologies Innovative Capabilities Exploitation Blends C2 & Joint ISR Permits NAEW&C to evolve into a Joint C2ISR Platform & integrate into the wider Joint C2ISR system Applicable to all platforms with access to HF, UHF, and/or Iridium MPA Air Transport Ground Systems NATO UNCLASSIFIED

Mr. Matt Roper – NAEW&C Project Manager (CAT 5 JISR, NAEW&C) Ext 3697 CONTACTING NC3A NC3A Brussels Visiting address: Bâtiment Z Avenue du Bourget 140 B-1110 Brussels Telephone +32 (0)2 7074111 Fax +32 (0)2 7078770 Postal address: NATO C3 Agency Boulevard Leopold III B-1110 Brussels - Belgium NC3A The Hague Oude Waalsdorperweg 61 2597 AK The Hague Telephone +31 (0)70 3743000 Fax +31 (0)70 3743239 Postal address: NATO C3 Agency P.O. Box 174 2501 CD The Hague The Netherlands Mr. Richard Bird – NAEW&C Future Capabilities Study Lead (CAT 5 JISR, NAEW&C) Ext 3656 Mr. Don Kallgren – NAEW&C Technical Lead (CAT 9 Communications Infrastructure Services) Ext 3442 Mr. Matt Roper – NAEW&C Project Manager (CAT 5 JISR, NAEW&C) Ext 3697 Mr. John Mahaffey – Deputy NAEW&C Project Manager (CAT 5 JISR, NAEW&C) Ext 3782 3/31/2017 NATO UNCLASSIFIED Releasable to Internet

Issues & Challenges Latency poses technical & operational challenges in low-bandwidth systems Delays affect operational response and utility, particularly in mixed-network chat environments Delay on any link proportional to traffic volume and inversely proportional to link speed Low-bandwidth links are the dominant delay factor, compounded by half-duplex channel turnaround in legacy radio systems Network protocols & applications developed on over-provisioned high-speed networks to expect and provide fast response Client-server applications invoke lengthy and complex dialogs which offer high traffic loads Global network introduces additional delays, as aircraft traffic may circle the earth on paths through multiple IRIDIUM satellites and terrestrial gateways back to the ground-based operations centres Latency poses technical and operational challenges in low-bandwidth systems. Network protocols and applications are developed on over-provisioned high-speed networks to expect and provide fast response. Client-server applications invoke lengthy and complex dialogs to provide enhanced capability in service-oriented architectures, but offer much higher traffic loads while doing so. With the delay on any link proportional to traffic volume and inversely proportional to link speed, low-bandwidth links are the dominant delay factor, which is compounded by half-duplex channel turnaround in legacy radio systems. The global network introduces additional delays, as aircraft traffic may circle the earth on paths through multiple IRIDIUM satellites and terrestrial gateways back to the ground-based operations centres. Such delays affect operational response and utility, particularly in mixed-network chat environments, as user responses in shared chat rooms may arrive out of sequence or be dropped entirely as lower-level processes (such as TCP-connection management) timeout and reset connections. Analysis of these issues throughout the system has led to a wide range of mitigation strategies and configuration changes referred to collectively as ‘tuning’. Careful analysis of the XMPP chat-client logon sequence has introduced a set of bandwidth conserving options to the NATO JChat client. Changes in TCP-connection parameters, particularly in initial estimates of the round-trip delay and maximum number of retries, introduce greater system tolerance to round-trip delay. Static pre-configuration of directory and route servers off-loads their traffic from low-bandwidth links, but, as these changes are not broadly scalable in large networks, edge-proxies and XMPP server-to-server federation localize the tuning to the aircraft and DGEP. Further detailed analysis of the traffic flows has detected unwanted contributors (e.g., NETBIOS on end systems) that can be turned off, has established realistic traffic models of chat-room behaviour based on operational experience, and has pointed to unexpected timeout limitations lurking in software libraries that require further exploration and correction. NATO UNCLASSIFIED NATO UNCLASSIFIED

Mitigation strategies and configuration changes – “tuning” Analysis of XMPP chat-client logon sequence has introduced bandwidth conserving options to NATO JChat client Changes in TCP-connection parameters, particularly in initial estimates of the round-trip delay and maximum number of retries, introduce greater system tolerance to round-trip delay Static pre-configuration of directory and route servers off-loads their traffic from low-bandwidth links These changes are not broadly scalable in large networks Edge-proxies and XMPP server-to-server federation localize the tuning to the aircraft and DGEP Further detailed analysis of the traffic flows: Has detected unwanted contributors (e.g., NETBIOS on end systems) that can be turned off Has established realistic traffic models of chat-room behaviour based on operational experience Points to unexpected timeout limitations lurking in software libraries that require further exploration and correction NATO UNCLASSIFIED